"Simply cannot be allowed to leave" - Cardiff City strongly urged against Callum O'Dowda transfer action | OneFootball

FLW's Cardiff City fan pundit has had his say on the most invaluable player at the club ahead of the January window.

This article is part of Football League World’s 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

After a tough start to the campaign under former boss Erol Bulut, Cardiff City appear to be a stronger side since Omer Riza took over as manager earlier this season.

With Cardiff struggling in the Championship, there are a number of high-profile players who could look to secure a move away from the Welsh club.

However, many of them are performing much better under Riza, and Cardiff fans will be hopeful that their season is heading in the right direction, having shown ambition during the summer transfer window.

The verdict on Cardiff's most invaluable player in January

FLW's Cardiff City fan pundit Jack Price has had his say on which player is the most invaluable and irreplaceable in the Cardiff squad, whom the club cannot afford to sell next month.

He said: "I could have easily gone for Alex Robertson for this.

"Given that, in my opinion at least, he's our best and most important player. But he only joined the club in the summer, so it's completely unrealistic to entertain thoughts of an exit for him just yet.

"Although he is 100 percent invaluable. So, one player that I'm not necessarily expecting to depart, but simply cannot be allowed to leave anyway, is Callum O'Dowda.

"Perhaps he's a bit more of a left-field shout, but he just embodies consistency every single week.

"The athleticism he gives us on the left-hand side is top drawer. You feel that he and Chris Willock need the opportunity to play together often and maintain what is starting to look like a promising partnership.

"But O'Dowda always gives you full effort. He is one of the few Cardiff players who I think you can say genuinely gets it and understands what it means to support us.

"He's decently good at carrying it forwards, which is something that we are lacking so badly in this time, particularly in wide areas.

"He's quite a high-volume crosser as well. And, when he gets on the ball, he's one of those players who looks capable of potentially making something happen.

"He's just solid, and there are no notable flaws to his game. You're always getting a six or a seven out of ten every single week without fail.

"He's a fan favourite, and we haven't got a profile quite like him in this squad. He can deliver big moments as well, such as his goal against Norwich City earlier this season.

"He is one of many players out of contract in the summer, so you have to wonder could a club make a cheeky bid now to prise him away?

"Probably not, and I think if there is a high probability of that happening, then you'd like to think Cardiff will be on it in terms of sorting a new contract for him, although you never know.

"It's something to be considered and we should be tying him down to new terms as soon as possible.

"So is the character that he is, so he is just so important and useful. I don't think we will let him go in January, and there is no way that we can consider letting that happen."

Callum O'Dowda's Cardiff City importance

O'Dowda is a versatile player for Cardiff, capable of operating as a winger or full-back, offering tactical flexibility across the left side of the pitch. While not the most technically gifted in the squad, his work rate, contribution out of possession, and ability to cover ground make him an important figure in the team.

O'Dowda's pace and engine allow him to support both attack and defence effectively. His consistency is notable, often providing reliable performances, as Jack alludes to.

Those types of players are crucial in a squad during a 46-game-long Championship campaign, even if he's not the standout on the pitch. His reliability and willingness to adapt make him a key player for Cardiff, despite not being the flashiest and most technical in the side.